Undergraduate Research Initiative

March 9–13: Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Learn more about the benefits of getting involved in undergraduate research.

Get published in, share your research with, or become a peer reviewer/editor for an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to undergraduate research.

Upcoming Deadlines

Happy New Year, undergraduate researchers! Whether exploring your options for summer research or looking for opportunities to share the work you have already done, January is the time to act on your research resolutions!

Get helps from URI and stay on track with your research resolutions with the following opportunities:

Present your research at FURCA 2020!

We are now accepting abstracts for URI’s annual Festival of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (FURCA). Undergraduate students in any discipline may apply to present posters, oral presentations, performances, art exhibits, or other demonstrations between March 9–13, 2020. Submit your abstract by Friday, January 24, 2020.

Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship

The Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship (SRS) is now accepting applications for summer 2020! The SRS program provides $1500/month for 2 to 4 months to students interested in conducting summer research in health sciences, medicine, and digital health. Submit your application by Thursday, February 6, 2020.

Nominate your mentor for the URI Mentor Award

Nominations are now open for the URI Award for Outstanding Mentorship in Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities. This is a student-nominated, student-adjudicated award that recognizes mentors who go above and beyond to support undergraduate research. Nominate your favourite mentor by Friday, February 7, 2020.

Tips for URI Stipend Applicants

URI Stipend applications are now open for projects beginning in May or September 2020! The URI Stipend is a $5000 award that helps support undergraduate students undertaking mentored, interdisciplinary research projects. Thinking about applying? We asked URI volunteer and former URI Stipend applicant, Isabelle Bernard, to share some advice on the process.

Isabelle says, “When I was applying for the URI Stipend, my key challenges were (1) being super concise and clear with my objectives (2) communicating how my methods answered my questions the best.”

With these challenges in mind, here are a few tips for applicants:

Look at the rubric before you start: The rubric outlines the criteria adjudicators use to evaluate proposals. Referring to the rubric will help you stay on track and ensure your proposal addresses what the reviewers are looking for.

Make sure adjudicators can understand your proposal: The URI Stipend is adjudicated by a multi-disciplinary committee. It is important to write your proposal at a level that is accessible to reviewers from a variety of academic backgrounds. Avoid jargon, and explain any technical language that is likely to be unfamiliar to reviewers from other disciplines.

Be clear and concise: Clearly indicate what your objectives/research question(s) are. When writing your methods, make sure to state how your method(s) will help address each individual objective/research question.

Write about your role and skill development: Reviewers want to know about your role in the project and what’s motivating you to pursue it. Elaborate on the project’s contribution to your personal/professional goals. Be as specific as possible, and avoid generic descriptions that could be true of many projects (e.g. “I will gain lab experience.” or “I will gain communication skills.”) Explain how this project will specifically support the development of the skills you identified.

Get feedback and don’t be afraid to ask for help: URI offers free consultations to students applying or reapplying for the URI Stipend, so email us (uri@ualberta.ca) to book an appointment!

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